Reversible fluid-distributing system



March 30, 193 7.

D. 1R HILLIS 2,075,719

REVERSIBLE FLUID DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 6, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet l 19mm WEE? ATTORNE Y.

March 30, 1937. D. R. HILLIS REVERSIBLE FLUID DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 6, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 AN INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

March so, 1937.

D. R. HILLIS 2,075,719

REVERSIBLE FLUID. DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 6, 1934' 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

.' cuit, or a clogged Patented Mar. 30, 1937 UNITED STATES 2,075,719 REVERSIBLE FLUID-DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM David It. aims, Detroit,

Engineering corporation of Ohio Application August 6, 1934.,Serial No. 738,656

14 Claims. (01. 184-7) The present invention relates to fluid distributlng systems, and more particularly to a reversible fluid distributing system for distributing lubricant to a plurality of bearings.

In my application, Serial. No. 523,149, filed March 16, 1931, I have heretofore disclosed a single-pipe circuit, flow-reversing, telltale lubricating system which will distribute fluids, gases, air or plastic material and particularly lubricant to a pluralityof associated devices through a series of feeders or measuring devices connected thereto when the same is forced through the feeders in either direction of flow and which will indicate whether or not there is a leak in the cirbearing or whether the circuit is obstructed or whether the system is working satisfactorily. While that system has been quite successful, the automatic flow-reversing valve there shown, is quite complicated and quite expensive to manufacture, and, although an automatic pump may be substituted for the hand pump there shown, no pump control means was provided in said former system nor were any means provided to indicate that the system was tardy in completing a circuit, nor that an excessive pressure was being built up in the system.

Therefore, themain object of the present invention is to devise control means for a power P p, ly and to the flow-reversing devise separate means for actuating valve and to devise an adjustable speed reducing device whereby the flowreversing valve may be set to reverse the flow of fluid through the fluid circuit at regular periods, varying the same as desired, and to devise additional control means for stopping the pump and giving a warning signal whenever excessive pressureis-encountered in the system and also to devise means for indicating when the system is tardy; and to devise'a-novel means for indicating when the fluid in the system has completed a circuit.

A subsidiary object of the invention is to devise a novel pump especially adapted to a fluid distributing system, I

Another object of the invention is to devise a means for mechanically driving a flow-reversing valve which is adjustable, whereby a wide range for controlling the frequency of lubrication is secured.

Another object of the invention is the provision of speed reduction devices especially applicable to this lubricating system.

Another object of the invention is the provision of adjustable means for controlling the Mich., assignor to Trabon Corporation, Cleveland,

the line l-l of Fig. 2 showing the mechanisms and the means of adjusting the I Fig. 2;

whereby it may be operated intermittentbeing open at the top to receive the base portion PATENT OFFICE warning signal that tells whether or not the lubricant has completed its circuit in the required time.

These and other objects will appear as the description progresses, reference being had to the 5 accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on pump and its associated drive shaft and a portion of the lubricant container and the flow-reversing valve and its associated operating members and the motor switch operating cam and the overtime switch operating cam;

Fig. 2 is a cross section view taken onthe line 2-4, of Fig. 1 showing one ofthe speed reducing same;

Fig. 3 is a detail plan view showing a portion of the control means of the adjustable speed reducing mechanisms;

' Fig. 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 5 is a schematic general view of my new and improved lubricating system, showing some- .of the parts in section.

Fig. 6 is a detail of the clutch actuating member.

Fig. 'I is a detail plan view of the switch operating cams,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a portion of the adjusting mechanism, as viewed from the rear.

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout.

The numeral I represents a frame member sup porting a housing or body, preferably made of two parts 2 and 3, for a pump mechanism and for arlow reversing valve mechanism and its associated speed reducing devices, the said housing 4 of a lubricant container or reservoir shown partly broken away.

Mounted in the housing is a pump drive shaft 5 and suitable sealing. means 6 prevent lubricant within the housing from extruding through the opening for the shaft.

The shaft 5 has an enlarged inner portion 1 suitably bored to provide cylinders 8 and 9 for reciprocating pistons l0 and II respectively secured by wrist pins It and I4 to the inner races I2 and iii of bearing assemblies A and B having outer races l5 and I6 respectively and a series of rollers l1 between each inner and outer race,

the races being suitably formed to receive the said rollers.

Located within the housing portion 2 is a spac ing ring l8 to hold the outer races I5 and 6 in 5 their proper places.

Surrounding the pump shaft 5 is a pump valve sleeve l9 which cooperates with the enlarged portion 1 of the said shaft in forming a valve, the said sleeve having two inlet ports 26 and 2| and 10 two outlet passageways 22 and 23 discharging into an outlet port 24 in a fitting 25 having thread- .ed engagement with said sleeve.

The enlarged portion 1 of the pump shaft 5 is provided with two grooves 26 and 21 adapted to register with the inlet ports 26 and 2| while the said shaft makes approximately one half a revolution and to register with the outlet passageways 22 and 23 while the said shaft completes the revolution. Connecting passageways 28 and 29 are bored in the said shaft 1 respectively connecting the cylinders 8 and 8 with the grooves 26 and 21 in such manner that when the grooves 26 and 21 register with the inlet ports 20 and 2| the pistons are making their suction strokes to draw lubricant into said cylinders 8 and 9 and when the grooves 26 and 21 register with the outlet passageways the pistons l6 and H are making their respective power strokes, forcing lubricant from the cylinders 8 and 9 through passageways 28 and 29, 30 through grooves 26 and 21 and through outlet passageways 22 and 23 and out of outlet port 24. As the pistons are shown, piston ID has just completed its suction stroke and piston II has just completed its power stroke. The reciprocation of the pistons is caused by mounting the rings or races carrying the same off center of the shaft 1 which the said races surround. The rotation of the shaft carries the pistons around with it and the resulting cam action, occasioned by the oiT-center location of the races with respect to the shaft, causes the pistons to reciprocate as they turn around with the shaft.

Lubricant from the container or reservoir 4 enters the pump housing through'a passage or port 30, thus lubricating all the working parts of the pump and having continuous flow to the inlet ports 20 and 2|. I

While the pump mechanism may be rigidly mounted in the housing, I prefer to avoid the resultant friction and wear and tear, and therefore I have shown bearing assemblies C and D supporting the shaft in the housing 2 and 3 which is suitably formed to hold them.

7 As a consequence of the non-rigid form of mounting, the fitting 25, which passes through the spacing ring I8, is slidably mounted in the housing 2, suitable packing means 3| being provided to prevent lubricant from extruding through the opening of the housing where the fitting passes through. The said fitting 25 also holds the SPEC! ing ring l8 and the sleeve I9 from tending to turn with the shaft 1.

The shaft 5 may be driven by any power means, preferably an electric motor or any other means having .an electric switch for starting and stopping the same.

. The pump hereinabove described has now been claimed in a divisional application, Serial No. 52,106, filed November 29, 1935.

The inner end of the shaft 5 protrudesfrom the bearing assembly D and is reduced in order to be loosely received within the hollow end of another power shaft 32, having a reduced extending portion 32? adapted to be driven by machinery to be lubricated or by any other power means. I

-to the left of the cam member 36.

have shown the shafts5 and 32 provided with keyways 33 and 34- as it is evident that but one power shaft is necessary where continuous operation of the pump is desired. A key'may therefore be inserted in the-construction shown, or a continuous shaft may be used where intermittent operation of the pump is not required.

The inner portion of the shaft 32 is also provided with a shoulder 35 against whichone side of a circularv cam member 36 abuts. The cam member 36 is rigidly secured to the shaft 32 and a connecting rod 31 is mounted on said cam in such manner that the rotation of the cam member 36 causes the connecting rod 31 to reciprocate in the usual manner.

In Fig. 2 the cam 36 is shown in dotted lines as is also the lower portion of the connecting rod 31. The top of the connecting rod 31 is forked and is pivotally secured to a rocker arm 38 by a wrist pin 39. One end of the rocker arm is connected to one end of a link 40 by a pin 4| and the other end of the link 40 is connected by pin 42 to the arm 43 of driving clutch' or clutch actuating member 44, shown in Fig. 1 surrounding shaft 32 The said clutch actuating member 44 has an extending hub portion 45 provided with a series of grooves 46, and an extending sleeve portion 41 of a driven clutch member 48 also mounted on the shaft 32 is adapted to surround the hub portion 45 of said clutch actuating member 44.

Located in each of the grooves 46 of the hub portion 45 of the clutch actuating member 44 and .between said member and the sleeve portion 41 of the driven clutch member 48, is a spring pressed roller'49 adapted to be gripped between the hub portion 45 of the clutch actuating member 44 and the sleeve portion 41 of the driven clutch member so as to drive the latter on each downward stroke of the connecting rod 31 and its connected linkage.

A retaining clutch ring 50, see Fig. 2, is provided with lugs 5|, between which a rod 52 is passed and said rod is suitably bolted to the housing to prevent rotation of said ring.

The exterior of the sleeve portion 41 of the driven clutch member 48 is also provided with grooves 53, in each of which is a spring pressed roller 54 adapted to prevent the driven clutch member 48 from. turning when the clutch actuating member turns to take its next bite.

The driven clutch member has an extending cam portion 36' upon which a second connecting rod 31 is mounted and this rod is provided with similar respective connecting parts, clutch actuating and driven clutch members etc., 38', 39', 40', 4|, 42', 43', 44', 45', 46', 41, 48', 49', 50', 5|, (and same rod 52 secures lugs 5|), 53', and 54'.

Also mounted on the shaft 32' is a fiow-reverser valve 55, the inner end of which is keyed to an extending portion 56 of driven clutch member 48'. The valve 55 is provided with an inner circumferential groove 51 and an outer circumferential groove 58. Intermediate the grooves 51 and 58 are two semi-circular grooves 59 and 60 having lands 6| and 6| between them, only one land 6| being shown in Fig. 1, the other being diametrically opposite to it as shown in Fig. 5.

At ninety degrees from the lands, longitudinal grooves are provided in said valve; one longitudinal groove 62 connects the semi-circular groove 59 with the inner circumferential groove 51 and with a short semi-circular groove 63 in the valve, said groove 63 having a length equal to that of the land 6|; another longitudinal groove 64, on the side one-hundred and eighty reverser valve 55 gitudinal groove 68 permitting lubricant to flow groove 65, also one-hundred and eighty degrees (180) from longitudinal groove 62, connects the circumferential groove ,51 with another short semi-circular groove 66, said groove 66 having a length equal to the other land 6|.

Surrounding the inner portion of the flowis a valve sleeve 61 having a lonfrom circumferential groove 58 into theopen top portion of the housing 3 communicating with the lubricant reservoir 4.

The valve sleeve 61 is also provided with an inlet port 69 which registers at all times with circumferentlal groove 51 and said inlet port 69 also registers with a passageway 10 in a fitting 1| having threaded engagement 'th the housing 3. The passage 16 of the fitting 1| has a connecting passageway communicating with the passage or outlet port 24 .of the pump, said outlet 24 being in the fitting 25. Any suitable pipe connection or other passage can be used where the pump mechanism is rigidly mounted in the housing, but where a a flexible connection must be used, hence I have shown a flexible tubing 12 with suitable connect-.

ing parts between the fittings 25 and 1|.

As shown in Fig. 1, there is also a by-pass port 13 in the valve sleeve 61 which permits lubricant entering the valve through passage 18, port 68, and groove 51 to return ,to the reservoir through longitudinal circular groove 63 while the land 6| blocks the flow of lubricant out of the valve circuit outlet and return port 14 located in the valve sleeve 61, and said by-pass port 13 also permits lubricant 'to return to the reservoirthrough longitudinal turns from the circuit groove and short semi-circular groove 66 when the land6l' blocks the flow of lubricant out of the valve circuit outlet and return port 14.

The valve circuit outlet and return ports are dual-service ports, due to the fact that when lubricant is discharged out of port 14 to the circuit to be hereafter described, lubricant also returns to the valve through port 14, which at that time is registering with semi-circular groove 68, from whence it passes through longitudinal groove 64 to circumferential groove 58 thence through longitudinal groove 68 in the valve sleeve 61 to the lubricant reservoir.

Likewise, when dual-service port 14 is acting as a discharge port to the circuit, lubricant reto the valve through port 14, which will then register with semi-circular groove 59,- from whence it passes through grooves 64, 58, and 68 back to the reservoir.

Suitable sealing means 15 is provided at the outer end of the valve sleeve 61 and between it and the valve 55 and other parts to be hereinafter described, and suitable sealing means 15' seals the opening between the valve and the shaft to prevent extrusion of lubricant at those points.

the outer extremity of the flow- 55 is a rotary cam member, here- Keyed to reverser valve after referred to as the pump motor switch-operwith a semi-circular slot ating cam 16.

- signal switch-operating cam.

The fulcrum end of each of the rocker arms 38 68 with the outer ball bearing mounting is used,

groove .62 and short semipressed portion and 38' is forked as at 88 and 89', see Figs. 2 and 4, in order to engage the adjusting means to be hereafter described.

An adjusting means is provided in order to vary the ratio of speed between the drive shaft 32 and the flow-reverser valve 55, as the double clutch mechanism acts as a speed reducer and the adjusting means now to be described, acting in combination with said double clutch mechanism, constitutes a variable speed reducer.

A-stationary member 8| is mounted upon the inner side of plate 82 forming part of the housing. This stationary member 8| has a pair of grooved members 83 and 83' as here shown, in its preferred form, cooperating with separate plates 84 and 84 which are secured thereto in any suitable manner as by means of screws, in forming guide members for a slidable member hereafter described although any other suitable guide means may be used; The sides of these grooved guide members 83 and 83' are respectively provided with slots 85 and 85.

A slidable member 86 is provided with two upwardly extending slotted portions 81 and 81 adapted to slide in the guide members 83 and 83'. Each of the respective forks 80 and 88 on the respective fulcrum ends of each rocker arm em.- braces the respective plates 84 and 84 and their respective guide members 83 and 83 and respective slotted slidable portions 81 and 81 of the guide member 86. Fulcrum pins 88 and 88 are respectively bolted therethrough so that the fulcrum end of each rocker arm may rise from its lowermost position in the fixed slotted guide members 83 and 83 till the said pins engage the top of the slotted portions 81 and 81 of the slidable member 8'6, in whatever position the latter is held by the adjustable locking means hereafter to be described.

A crank shaft comprising a shaft 89, passing through plate 82, and a flange 80 and an offset pin 8| is employed to move the slidable member 86 by having the pin 9| extend into a slot 92 in the base portion of the slidable member 86.

The crank is manually turned by crank lever 93 to the position desired. A member 94 having a semi-circular slot 95 is rigidly secured to plate 82 and a bolt 96 passes through the crank lever 98 and the slot 95 and a wing nut 91 is provided to lock the bolt and crank arm in the desired position. Any suitable packing means 98 may be used to prevent grease from extruding through the opening in plate 82 where shaft 89 passes through.

The bottom of the pump and valve housing is provided with a drain port 99 and a drain'plug I08, having screw threaded engagement with said housing, normally closes said drain port.

Referring now to the motor switch-operating cam 16, looking at Fig. 5, it, will be seen that one half of said cam member is provided with a de- 16' and it will also be seen that the overtime warning signal switch-operating cam 19 has a depressed portion 19 and, that diametrically opposite to said depressed portion, there is a raised portion 19 The purpose of these cams will become apparent when the circuit and the electrical control switches to be hereafter described, are understood.

The portion of the housing 3 surrounding the distributing valve is provided with suitable threaded openings to receive hollow fittings l8! and I0] see Fig. 5, the openings of which register with valve sleeve dual service ports 14 and 14' respectively. One end of a pipe line I02 is con nected to fitting I I, and one end of a pipe line I 03 is connected to fitting IOI'.

Each of these pip lines I02 and I03 forms the ends of a lubricant circuit, the lubricant passing from one pipe line into an indicator block I04, thence passing through an additional pipe line equipped with by-pass feeders, returning to the block, thence through the other pipe line and back to the valve, from whence it is returned to the reservoir.

The indicator block I04 is provided with two dualservice ports I05 and I05, the former being suitably connected to one end of pipe line I02 and the latter being suitably connected to one 1.5 end of pipe line I03.

The dual-service ports I05and I05 of the indicator block are located in fittings I08 and I 06 respectively,-having screw threaded engagementwith the indicator block I04. These fittings are, in turn respectively provided with extending ported sleeves I01 and I01, extending into respective cylinders or valve chambers I08 and I08 of larger dimension than that of the said sleeve. The sleeves I01 and I01 are respectively provided with ports I09 and I09 and with ports H0 and H0. Passageways III and III are thus respectively provided in the respective valve chambers I08 and I08 around the inner ends of the respective sleeves I01 and I01 said respective valve chambers, whereby lubricant may pass around the valves to be hereafter described when the valves are located between the ports in their respective sleeves.

Mounted to reciprocate in the respective sleeves I01 and I01 are piston valves H2 and 2', the valve II2 being in sleeve I01 and the valve I I2 being in the sleeve I 01. Stop pins H3 and I I3 are respectively mounted in the sleeves I01 and I01 which are adapted to engage the usual abutment members on the valves in such manner as to permit lubricant returning to the distributing valve to enter the sleeve through ports H0 and I I0" respectively.

The inner ends of the valve chambers I08 and I08 I I4, registering with the respective sleeves I01 and I01, but having smaller diameters than the latter, hence the respective piston valves I I2 and M2, on completion of their inward strokes, are adapted to close the entrance to said passages.

Valve chambers I00 and I08 respectively connect with one end of indicator-piston cylinders H5 and H5 through the respective passages H6 and H6. Mounted to reciprocate in said respective cylinders H5 and 5' are the respective indicator pistons H1 and H1, provided with extending piston rods H8 and H8 respectively, each of which respectively slides through a perforated nut and sealing gland closing one end of said respective cylinders, thus indicating the movement of their respective associated pistons. The other ends of said cylinders H5 and 5' respectively connect through ducts H5 and I Iii respectively with valve chambers H9 and H9 oawhich have fittings I20 and I20 respectively screwed therein, said fittings being respectively provided with ported sleeves I2I and I2I extending into said valve chambers IIS and 9' respectively. The sleeves I2I and I2I' vided with ports I22 I23 and I23, from one side th wh are respectively proand I22 and with ports which permits lubricant to pass of the respective sleeves around respective reciprocating valves I24 and I24 11 the same are located between the respective ports in their respective sleeves,

and between them and therespectively connect with passages H4 and by passing into the valve chambers H9 and 9' which are of larger diameter than the exterior of said sleeves, thus providing passageways I 25 and I 25' respectively around the sides and inner portions of the said sleeves.

Stop pins I 26 and I26 are respectively mounted in the sleeves I2I and I 2| which are adapted to engage the abutment members on said valves I24 and I24, so as to stop them between the respective pair of ports in their respective sleeves when lubricant fiows from the indicator block to the feeder circuit through the respective valve chambers.

The inner ends of the valve chambers I I9 and 9' respectively connect with passages I21 and I 21 which open into said valve chambers H9 and H9 respectively, opposite the inner ends of the respective sleeves I2I and I-2I', said passages having smaller diameters respectively than those of the respective sleeves, hence the respective ends of said'passages are adapted to be closed by the respective valves in the respective sleeves opposite to sald respective openings.

Passage 4 connects valve chamber I08 with indicator-piston cylinder II5, entering the latter midway between its ends. Passage II4 similarily connects valve chamber I08 with indicatorpiston cylinder II5 'entering the latter midway.

between its ends.

Passage I21 connects valve chamber II9 with indicator-piston cylinder II5, entering the same at such point that when lubricant enters the said cylinder II5 from passage H5 and forces 'piston II 1 to make its complete stroke to the left, when viewed in Fig. 5, said piston I I1 will uncover one end of the passage I21, and similarly, passage I21 connects valve chamber II9 with indicator-piston cylinder 5', entering the same at such point that when lubricant enters the said cylinder 5' from passage 6'. and forces piston Il1" to make its complete stroke to the position shown in Fig. 5, said piston II1 will uncover one end of the passage I21.

A circumferential groove I28 is provided on piston I21 and a similar circumferential groove I 28 is provided on piston I21. A by-pass passage I29, opposite the entrance port of passage II4 into cylinder II5, connects said cylinder II5 with passage I 21, thus permitting lubricant to flow from passage I21 through passage I29, thence around groove I28 into passage II4 when piston I I1 completes its stroke to the right, when viewing the device as shown in Fig. 5. Similarly, a by-pass passage I30, opposite the entrance port of passage II4 into cylinder II 5, cylinder II5 with passage I21, thus permitting lubricant to fiow from passage I21 through passage I30, thence around groove I28 into passage 4', when piston II1' completes its stroke In the opposite direction to that shown in Fig. 5.

Suitably connected to fitting I20 is one end of a circuit pipe-line or conduit I 3| which is equipped with a plurality of reversible feeders I32 provided with by-pass means hereinafter described. The other end of said pipe-line or conduit is suitably connected to fitting I 20'. Each feeder I 32 is provided with two ports I33 and I34 connected to the pipe line or-conduit I3I and with a discharge port I35 connected to an associated device or'to a bearing or receiving device.

Each feeder is providedith a cylinder I36 having a fluid pressure-oper ted piston I 31 adapted to reciprocate therein.

connects said Each feeder also is provided with two cylindrical valve chambers I38 and I39. The valve chamber I38, at one end, has a duct I40 communicating with port I33 through a valve chamber MI and, at the other end, said valve chamber I 38 has a duct I42 communicating with port,

I34 through a valve chamber I43. One end of valve chamber I39 has a duct I44 communicating with ,port I33 through the valve chamber MI and the other end of said valve chamber I39 has a ductI45 communicating with 'port I34 through valve chamber I43.' At. each end of the cylinder I36 there is a duct, one being designated as I36 and the other as I36 and these ducts communicate with intermediate portions of the valve chamber I39 as hereinafter described.

The discharge port I35 communicates with the central portion of the valve chamber I39 and a communicating passage I46 connects the central portion of valve chamber I38 with the central portion of cylinder I36.

A dumb-bell piston type valve I4'I having two heads I48 and I49 is mounted in the valve chamber I 38 in such manner that the annular passage surrounding the reduced portion between said valve heads I48 and I49 always registers, when the valve is shifted to either of its extreme positions, with the communicating passage M6 and with one or the other of two by-pass ducts I50 and I5I communicating respectively with valve chambers I M and I43.

The valve chamber I39 has a similar dumb-bell piston type valve I52 having heads I53 and I54 so arranged that the annular passage surrounding the reduced portion between said valve heads I53 and I54 always connects one of the ducts I36 or I36 with the discharge port I35, when the valve I52 is in either one of its shifted positions, and, at the same time, opens the other duct I36 or I36 to the flow of fluid from the conduit.

Mounted in the valve chamber I4I outwardly of opening of by-pass duct I50, is a valve disk I55 having a central opening with an outwardly ex- I 45 tending ported sleeve I56 communicating with the port I33, the said sleeve having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the valve chamber I4I, thus providing a passage I51 around said sleeve. Said sleeve I56 is ported at '50 I58 and at I59 and mounted in said sleeve and in said disk is a reciprocating piston valve I60 having a length equal to the portion of the sleeve between the two ports I58 and I59. A stop pin I6I is mounted in said sleeve I56 to stop the outward movement of said valve I60 in such position that lubricant or other fluids flowing into the valve chamber II from the by-pass passage I50 may flow through the disk I55 and into its extending sleeve and out of port I59, thence through passageway I51 and back into sleeve I56 through port I58, and thence through port I33 into the pipe line I3I, when flow of lubricant through the circuit is passing in that direction.

Mounted in the valve chamber I43 outwardly of opening of by-pass duct I5I, is a valve 'disk I62 having-a central opening with an outwardly extending ported sleeve I63 communicating with port I34, the said sleeve having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the valve chamber I43, thus providing a passage I64 around said sleeve. Said sleeve I63 is ported at I65 and at I66, and mounted in said sleeve and in said disk is a reciprocating piston valve I61 having a length equal to the portion of the sleeve between 5 the two ports I65 and I66. A stop pin I68 is mounted in said sleeve I63 to stop the outward movement of said valve I61 in such position that lubricant or other fluids flowing into the valve chamber I43 from the by-pass passage I5I may flow through the disk I62 and into its extending sleeve and out of port I66, thence through passage-way I64 and back into sleeve I63 through port I65, and thence through port I34 into the pipe line I3I, when flow of lubricant through the circuit is passing in that direction.

Any suitable means such as the abutment members shown on the irmer ends of valves I60 and I61 may be used to stop the respective inner strokes of said valves in such position that lubricant may enter behind them, when necessary, to make the return strokes.

The feeder herein described has now been claimed in application Serial No. 78,784, filed May 9th, 1936, being a continuation in part of this application.

By reference to Fig. 5 it will-be seen that the fitting II is provided with a fluid connecting branch pipe-line I10, and this leads to a conventional plunger, device III, controlled by a very strong spring mechanism, not shown,.for operating a conventional electrical switch I80 which, when connected to terminal IBI completesa circuit, hereinafter described, to turn on a red light I90. Said pressure switch is normally connected to the terminal I8 I, being in series with the motor switches hereinafter described. This conventional spring-controlled pressure-operated plunger device is adjusted to require greater pressure for operating it than that desired to be maintained in the system, hence'if the pump is delivering fluid or lubricant into pipe '82 under pressure of 1,000 pounds per square inch, and it meets a resistance in the system greater than that, such pressure will also be, built up in the plunger device Ill and will cause pressure switch I80 to contact terminal I8I, thereby stopping the pump and turning on the red light. By this signal the attendant is then informed that something is resisting the flow of fluid through thesystem and building up a back pressure. He may then examine each bearing or associated receiving device, to which feeders are connected, to see if lubricant or other fluid is being discharged or has been discharged there recently and thus 10- cate the trouble.

Referring now to the indicatorblock I04, and more particularly to the indicator-piston rod I I8, it will be seen that I provide a hollow sleeve 200 in which the outer end of said piston rod is adapted to slide during part of its outward stroke. The said sleeve 200 is loosely connected to one end of a rocker arm. 202 by means of a wrist pin 204 passing therethrough and through an elongated slot 206. The rocker arm 202 is pivotally mounted on a bracket 208 supported upon the housing of a conventional electrical switch mechanism hereinafter described. The other end of said rocker arm is loosely connected to an electrical switch-operating plunger 2I0 which passes through the housing of the conventional switch mechanism hereinafter to be described, said plunger being connected to said rocker arm by the wrist pin 2I2 passing through the same and through elongated slot 2I4 of said rocker arm.

The red light indicator I90 which,;as heretofore described, indicates excessive pressure in the system, forms part of the electrical circuits now cuits with the lines TI and T2 leading to the pump motor or power means utilized for rotating pump-shaft .5.

The wire LI has branch wires 220, 230 and 240 respectively leading to a green light bulb I88, a yellow light bulb I89 and the red light bulb I90, respectively,- and said wire LI passes on and terminates in wire TI leading to the pump motor or power means.

10 The wire- L2 branches into wires 250 and 280, respectively, the former leading to conventional switch I 80. The branch wire 250 has a branch wire 25I connecting it to the bulb I89, thus, whenever current is on, there is a circuit through bulb I89. Therefore when this bulb is burning, the attendant is informed that the main current switch is connected, and that the device is either in operation or in readiness for operation.

One terminal I8I of conventional switch I80 is connected to bulb I90 by wire I9I, thus, when switch I80 connects with said terminal a circuit through bulb I90 is completed, and the attendant is informed that excessive pressure has developed in the system.

The other terminal I80 of conventional switch mechanism I80 is connected by a branched wire I82 to branch wires I82 and I82 which lead to two terminals I83 and I84 respectively of a conventional double limits switch mechanism I81.

The other terminals of this switch mechanism are designated by the numerals I85 and I88. The conventional double limits switch mechanism is provided with switch lever I81, which is operated by plunger 2 I 0, and said switch lever is provided with the usual contacts and is adapted to connect terminals I83 and I85 or terminals I84 and I88.

Conductor wire 252 connects terminal I85 with terminal 210 of motor switch mechanism 215,

also of the double limits type. Three additional terminals 21I, 212 and 213 are provided in said switch mechanism 215, and. the switch lever or member 214 is adapted to connect terminals 210 and 21I, or terminals 212 and 213.

Both terminals-21! and 212 are connected to the wire T2, while terminal 218 is connected by conductor wire 253 to the terminal I88 of switch mechanism I81. Hence current may flow through line L2, branch wire 250, switch mechanism I80,

terminal I80, branch wire I82, and then down to line T2 through ,either of the following ways; first, the way shown in Fig. 5, viz, through branch I82 terminal I84, switch lever I81, terminal I88, branch 253, to terminal 213, switch 214 to terminal 212 connected to said wire T2, or, seeondly, through branch I82, terminal I83, switch lever I81,terminal I85, branch 252 to terminal 210, switch 214, to terminal 2" connected to said wire T2.

Switch lever 214 is operated by a spring pressed plunger 218, which rides upon the cam member 18, the spring moving the plunger 218 and switch lever 214 from the position shown in Fig. 5, to such position as to make contact with the terminals 210 and 2' when the plunger rides down the cam incline into the camway 18, and the raised portion of this cam will return the parts to the position shown in Fig. 5 when the end of the plunger 218 comes in contact therewith.

E0 The green light bulb I88 is connected to line L2 through the branch wire 250 and two double limits switch mechanisms-2H and 28I which are 'so arranged that a circuit through saidbulb I88 from lines L2 to LI can only be made when fluid 86 has not completed its circuit so as to move, one

of the indicator piston rods H8 or 8' within the time that the adjustable cam member 19 has been set for operation of switch mechahism 28I.

For instance, if lubricant will pass through a circuit of a given length with a given number of feeders, in two minutes, then the cam member 19 is so adjusted that within two and one half minutes, it will operate spring pressed plunger 282 and its associated double limits switch lever 283 which normally is maintained in neutral position, to make contact between terminals 284 and 285, the former being connected to branch line 280 and the latter being connected by conductor wire 288 to terminal 282 of switch mechanism 28I, which, at that time, will be connected with terminal 283 through switch lever 284 and its contacts, unless indicator piston rod II8 moves rocker arm 202 prior to the said time limit; said terminal 283 is connected to bulb I88 by branch wire 285, thus completing the circuit. Or the circuit may be completed if the raised portion 19 of cam member 19 moves plunger 282 and its switch lever 283 to such position as to connect terminals 281 and 288, the latter being connected to branch wire 280 and the former being connected by branch wire 289 to terminal 288, which will then be connected by contacts .on switch lever 284 to terminal 281 which is connected to bulb I88 by branch wire 285.

The indicator piston rod 8', on making its full outward stroke, rocks rocker arm 202 from the position shown in Fig. 5 to its reverse position, thus operating both switch levers I81 and 284, by means of the plunger 2I0 so that they make contact between their respective opposite terminals.

The motor or power means driving shaft 5 will thereupon be stopped until the plunger 218 rides off the raised position of cam 18 into the camway 18' whereupon the power means is again started, since contact is now established between terminals I83 and I85 and between terminals 210 and 21 Indicator rod H8 is adapted, on completion of its outward stroke, to move rocker arm to the position shown in Fig. 5 and whenever lever 284 of switch mechanism 28I is moved within the prescribed or allotted time, it prevents the completing of the circuit through the green light bulb I88 even though cam member 19 operates lever 283 of switch mechanism 28I, as should now be apparent from the foregoing description.

It should also be apparent that the pressure switch I is in series with the motor switches I 81 and 215.

' Operation Let it be assumed that an electric motor is employed for driving shaft 5 and that shaft 82' is one half minutes for lubricant to complete thev circuit so as to operate one of the indicators H8 or H8 and that cam member 19 has been adjusted by adjustablescrew 18 to such position that three minutes after the pump begins to operate, said cam will cause plunger 262 to operate switch mechanism 20L Let it further be assumed that the adjustable control means for the speed reducing mechanism has been so adjusted that it will take 40 minutes for the distributing valve to make one complete revolution or 20 mintuesto turn thus permitting cam member 16 to operate motor switch 215 every 20 minutes. In other words, the pump motor will operate during the first two and one half to three minute period of each 20 minute period.

Let it further be assumed that valve parts are in the position shown in Fig. 5.

The main switch is turned on, lighting bulb I89, the device commences to operate. Lubricant passes from reservoir 4 into pump housing through port 30, due to the suction strokes of pistons I0 and II, which reciprocate due to their being mounted in their respective offset races.

Of course the pistons I0 and II could be arranged to operate simultaneously or otherwise than shown, but I prefer to have one making a power stroke while the other makes its suction stroke.

Piston I8 sucks lubricant through port 20 in sleeve I9, which registers with groove 26 of enlarged portion 1 of shaft 5 during the major part of one half revolution of the said shaft, thence through passage 28 into cylinder 8, and is then forced out of the cylinder, as the continued rotation of the shaft not only causes the piston to take itspower stroke. but also causes the groove 26 to then register with outlet passage 22 into passage 24. 7

As the action of piston II is similar to that of piston I0, its operation is apparent.

Lubricant is thus caused to be continuously pumped from the reservoir 4 to the outlet passage 24, when the pump is constructed of two cylinders with pumps operating one the reverse of the other, although it is evident that one piston or a plurality may be used.

Lubricant then passes from passage 24 through pipe 12 into fitting 1|, some passing into pipe H0 and into its pressure-plunger switch operating device I1I. From passage II the lubricant passes into distributor valve 55 through 'valve sleeve port 69, thence around circumferential valve groove 51, and (the valve and cam members being in the position shown in Fig. 5,) the lubricant will pass through elongated groove 62 to semi-circular groove 59, (then'registering with it), from whence it will pass through valve sleeve dual-service port 14 and out of fitting IOI into pipe line I02.

The system beingfu'll of lubricant, immediately that additional lubricant begins to flow through port IOI, all lubricant ahead of it begins to move, hence, piston H2 is shown as immediately moved'down to close passage H4, as the lubricant flows from pipe I02, through port I05 of fitting I06 and its associated sleeve, pass-v ing out through port H0, passage III, duct H'B into indicator piston chamber H5 forcing piston I I1 to the left, Fig. 5; the lubricant on the other side of said piston H1 passes out of said piston chamber H5 through duct H5 and into valve chamber H9 and its associated fitting and sleeve which then has valve I24 in the position showr in Fig. 5.

This displaced lubricant then causes all the lubricant ahead of it in the circuit to move the dumbbell pistons I41 and I52 to the position shown in the cut-away section of feeder shown in Fig. 5, and to return a small quantity to the indicator block through the fitting I20.

Continued fiow of the lubricant will cause indicator piston H1 to make its complete stroke to the left, as viewed in Fig. 5, whereupon lubricant will flow out of piston chamber H5 into passage I21, move piston I24 ito the left as it enters valve chamber H9, thence through sleeve 2| out through I23, thence through annular passage I25, returning into sleeve I2I, through port I22, thence through fitting I20 into pipe line I3I, thence into the first feeder I32, and Icy-passing through said feeder after discharging the meas-.

ured quantity of lubricant displaced by piston I31, and so on until it returns to the indicator block I04. It enters lubricating block I04 through fitting I20 and its associated parts, valve I24 then closing passage I21. The lubricant therefore, passes through duct H5 into cylinder H5, moving piston H1 to the right, causing indicator piston rod II 8 to move, thus notifying the attendant that the circuit has been completed.

The outer end of the indicator piston rod H8 first slides in the sleeve 200 and then causes the rocker arm 202 to rock, thereby, through plunger 2I0, shifting switches I81 and 284 of the respective switch mechanisms I81 and 28I. This action thus cuts off the circuit to the pump motor or power means as current terminals I84 and I86 are no longer connected and the branch line 252 cannot transmit current through to line T until. the valve has made a half revolution, at which time spring pressed plunger will operate switch lever 214 of switch mechanism 215, thus connecting terminals 210 and 2H, (the valve making a half turn every 20 minutes).

If. switch 284 of switch mechanism 28I shifts within three minutes after the pump motor and valve motors have started, then when plunger 262 slides into depression 19 of ,cam member 19, and switch lever 263 connects terminals 264. and 265, no circuit will be made through the green light, as terminals 282 and 283 will not then be connected, but if switch 284 remains in position shown in Fig. 5 for 3 minutes, then, the warning signal bulb will be lit and the attendant will investigate the cause of the delay.

passage I I4 and thence through the valve chamber I08 valve.

Such returning lubricant enters the valve housing through the opening receiving fitting IOI, thence enters the valve sleeve through dualservice port 14, returning to reservoir in the manner heretofore shown.

When the device is set for operation under the assumed circumstances, very little lubricant returns to.the reservoir as the pump motor switch will cut off the pump shaft power means until the valve has completed its half revolution; thereafterthe lubricant will pass out of dualservice port 14 in the manner heretofore described, and the lubricant will pass through the system in reverse order.

In case excess pressure is encountered in the system, plunger mechanism I1I will throw switch and pipe I03 back to the distributor also acting as a control of the motor switches, be-

ing in series therewith. The three lights are preferably yellow, green and red; the yellow one informing the attendant that the device is electrically connected for operation; the red one informing him that an excessive resistance has been encountered, building up an excessive pressure in the system; and the green light informing l5 him that the system is tardy and requires investigation.

The movement of either of the indicator rods also informs the attendant that fluid has completed a circuit through the conduit in one direction and that all feeders have discharged their measured quantity of fiuid to bearings or associated receiving devices.

It is further seen that I have provided a mechanical flow-reversing valve driven by an adjustable speed reducer which gives a wide range for controlling the frequency of lubrication. It is thought that the operation of this speed reducer and its adjusting means is clear from the description heretofore given.

The passageways I29 and I30 also serve as bypass means for fluid to cut out the balance of the feeder circuit, if the pump shaft and valve shaft are keyed together or made integral, after the fluid has completed the feeder circuit in one direction and before the flow of fluid through the system is reversed.

Having thus fully described my invention, it is apparent that many modifications thereof may be made. My invention therefore, is not to be 0 restricted except insofar as is necessitated by the prior art and by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:-

1. In combination, a pump, a flow-reversing valve connected thereto for receiving fluid therefrom under pressure and having two discharge ports and means for alternately directing fluid out of one of said ports and then out of the other, a fluid fitting having two receiving ports respec- 59 tively connected with the respective discharge ports of said valve and having two discharge ports respectively having fluid connection with the respective receiving ports, a conduit connected to and leading from one of the discharge ports of the-fitting and returning to the other, the fitting having means for indicating when the fluid has made a complete circuitthrough the conduit, and

a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit, said feeder having means for discharging a 60 quantity of fluid to a receiving device when the fiuid is moved through the conduit in either direction of flow.

2. The combination with a reversible fluid-distributing system having a power driven pump, a

flow-reversing member, a conduit leading therefrom and returning thereto and a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit provided with means for first discharging 'a quantity of fluid to a receiving device and for then uncovering a passage permitting fluid under pressure to flow on through the conduit and back to the flow-reversing member, of means for automatically starting the pump when the flow of fluid througlf the sys- 75 tem is about to be reversed and means automatically stopping the pump when the fluid has completed a circuit through the conduit.

3. The combination with a reversible fluid-distributing system having a power driven pump, a flow-reversing member, a conduit leading therefrom and returning thereto and a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit provided with means for first discharging a quantity 'of fluid to a receiving device and for then uncovering a passage permitting fluid under pressure to flow on through the conduit and back to the flowreversing member, of means for automatically stopping the pump and giving a warning signal indicating that an excessive fluid pressure has developed in the system whenever such pressure exceeds a pre-determined amount. a

4. The combination with a reversible fluid-distributing system having a power driven pump, a flow-reversing member, a conduit leading therefrom and returning thereto and a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit provided with means for first discharging a quantity of fluid to a. receiving device and for then uncovering a passage permitting fluid under pressure to flow on through the conduit and back to the flowreversing member, of means for automatically giving a warning signal indicating that the flow of fluid through the conduit circuit is tardy whenever the said flow through thecircuit has not been completed within a pre-determined time.

5. In combination, a pump having an extending shaft adapted to be driven by power means, a flow-reversing valve having fluid connection therewith, means for actuating said valve, a circuit-indicating block having fluid connection with said flow-reversing valve and provided with hydraulically operated circuit-indicating members projecting therefrom, a conduit leading from said circuit-indicating block and returning thereto, a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit, said feeder having means for discharging a quantity of fluid to a receiving device when fluid is moved through the conduit in either direction of flow, an electriccircuit controlling the operation of the pump drive shaft power means, means for automatically closing the said circuit when the flow-reversing valve is ready to reverse the flow of fluid and means for automatically breaking the circuit when fluid has made a complete circuit through the conduit.

6. In combination, a pump having an extending shaft adapted to be driven by power means, a flow-reversing valve having fluid connection therewith, means for actuating said valve, a circuit-indicating block having fluid connection with said flow-reversing valve and provided with hydraulically operated circuit-indicating members projecting therefrom, a conduit leading from said circuit-indicating block and returning thereto, a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit, said feeder having means for discharging a quantity of fluid to a receiving device when fluid is moved through the conduit in either direction.

of flow, an electric circuit controlling the operation of the pump drive shaft power means, switch mechanism controlled by the movement of the flow-reversing valve for automatically closing the said circuit and switch mechanism controlled by the movement of the circuit-indicating member for automatically breaking the said electric circuit In combination, a pump having an extendingshaft adapted to be driven by power means, a flow-reversing valve having fluid connection 7 therewith, means for actuating said valve, a

sleeve and housing for delivering fluid to and for receiving fluid from a, circuit, and passageways in said valve member and in said valve sleeve adapted to control the flow of fluid through said valve whereby fluid will be directed out of one dual-service port to the circuit and into the other duel-service port from the circuit'while the valve is making a, pariiel rotation and for reversing the flow of fluid to the circuitduring 10 a part of the continued rotation of the shaft.

14.111 combination with e, flow-reversing circuit-indicating block having fluid connection with said flow-reversing valve and provided with hydraulically operated circuit-indicating members projecting therefrom, a conduit leading from said circuit-indicating block and returning thereto, a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit, said feeder having means for discharging a quantity of fluid to a receiving device when fluid is moved through the conduit in either 10 direction of flow, an electric circuit controlling the operation of the pump drive shaft power means, switch mechanism and controlling means actuated by the movement of said circuit-indicating members for breaking said circuit and switch mechanism and controlling means actuated by the movement of said valve for making said circuit.

8. In combination, a pump having an extending shaft adapted to be driven by power means,

0 a flow-reversing valve having fluid connectiontherewith, means for actuating said valve, a circuit-indicating block having fluid connection with said flow-reversing valve and provided with hydraulically operated circuit-indicating members projecting therefrom, a conduit leading from said circuit-indicating block and returning thereto, a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit, saidfeeder having means for discharging a quantity of fluid to a receiving device when fluid is moved through the conduit in either direction of flow, an electric circuit controlling the operation of the pump drive shaft power means, switch mechanism adapted to break said electric circuit, means actuated by the movement of said. circuit-indicating members for actuating said switch mechanism, and a switch mechanism adapted to remake said electric circuit automatically when the flow-reversing valve is ready to reverse the flow or fluid. 9. In combination, a pump having an extending shaft adapted to be driven by power means, a flow-reversing valve having fluid connection therewith, means for actuating said valve, a circuit-indicating block having fluid connection with said flow-reversing valve and provided with hydraulically operated circuit-indicating members projecting therefrom, a conduit leading from said circuit-indicating block and returning thereto,

a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said con-- circuit whenever a pre-determined fluid pressure is exceeded in the conduit.

10. In combination, a pump having an extending shaft adapted to be driven by power means, a flow-reversing valve having fluid connection therewith, means for actuating said valve,.a circuit-indicating block having fluid connection with said flow-reversing valve and provided with hydraulically operated circuit-indicating members projecting therefrom, a conduit leading from said circuit-indicating block and returning thereto,

a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit, said feeder having means for discharging a quantity of fluid to a receiving device when fluid is moved through the conduit in either direction of flow, an automatically operated overtime warning signal light bulb, an electric circuit adapted to light said bulb, two double limits switch mechanisms adapted to control said circuit, one adapted to prevent the making of said circuit whenever it operates in advance of the 5 other, the other adapted to make said circuit whenever it operates in advance of the former, means operable by the circuit indicating-members for actuating the switch mechanism which prevents the making of said circuit and means 1 operable by the movement of the valve for actuating the other switch mechanism.

11. In combination, a pump having an extending shaft adapted to be driven by power means,

a flow-reversing valve having fluid connection 1: therewith, means for actuating said valve, a circuit-indicating block having fluid connection with said flow-reversing valve and provided with hydraulically operated circuit-indicating members projecting therefrom, a conduit leading from said circuit-indicating block and returning thereto, a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit, said feeder having means for discharging a quantity of fluid to a receiving device when fluid is moved through the conduit in either direction of flow, an electric circuit controlling the operation of the pump drive shaft power means, automatically operable means for making and breaking the said circuit at pre-determined periods, an overtime signal light bulb electrically connected to said circuit, switch mechanisms adapted to break the connections to said circuit whenever the flow of fluid through the conduit in any one direction exceeds a pre-determined fixed time. i 3

12. In combination, a pump having an extending shaft adapted to be driven by power means, a flow-reversing valve having fluid connection therewith, means for actuating said valve, a circuit-indicating block having fluid connection with said flow-reversing valve and provided with hydraulically operated circuit-indicating members projecting therefrom, a conduit leading from said circuit-indicating block and returning thereto, a fluid-discharging feeder connected to said conduit, said feeder having means for discharging a quantity of fluid to a receiving device when fluid is moved through the conduit in either direction of flow, an electric circuit controlling the operation of the pump drive shaft power means, automatically operable means for making and breaking the said circuit at pre-determined periods, an overtime signal light bulb having electrical connections to said circuit, switch mechanism adapted to break the said connections to'said circuit whenever the flow of fluid through the conduit in any one direction exceeds a predetermined time, an excess pressure warning signal light bulb-having electrical connections to said circuit, said circuit also having a pressure controlled switch mechanism adapted to break said circuit and to make a-circuit through said last mentioned light bulb whenever a pre-determined pressure of the fluid in the conduit is exceeded.

13. A flow-reversing valve for a reversible fluid-distributing system comprising a housing having an inlet port communicating with a source of fluid supply and an exhaust port communicating with a fluid reservoir, a power driven shaft journaled in said housing, arotary valve member surrounding said shaft, speed reducin means operable by said shaft for rotating sai valve, a valve sleeve surrounding said valv member, a pair of duel-service ports in said valv 

